System for broadband service delivery

ABSTRACT

A system for delivering broadband service, including standard telephone service and telephone/DSL service, to a subscriber. The system includes a pair gain system and a service distribution system. In some embodiments, the service distribution system is located such that the standard telephone service and telephone/DSL service are routed from the service distribution system without being routed through a cross-connect system. In other embodiments, the functionality of a cross-connect system is incorporated into the service distribution system. The service distribution systems include terminating modules and switching modules. In some embodiments, the switching modules include protector plugs that protect the system from over-voltages and/or over-currents, and provides upstream and downstream diagnostic testing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to an application entitled ENCLOSURE FORBROADBAND SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM, having Attorney Docket No.2316.2145USO1; which application is being filed concurrently herewithand is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to digital subscriber lines, and morespecifically, to a method and system for delivering digital subscriberline service to a subscriber.

BACKGROUND

Digital subscriber line (DSL) technology allows for high-bandwidthnetworking connections to be made over ordinary copper telephone lines.Traditional phone service typically relies on unshielded twisted pair(UTP) copper lines to connect homes and small businesses to thecommunications network operated by the telephone company (TELCO). Everyone of these networks includes a central offices (CO) that services adefined region, with each CO responsible for connecting and routingcalls directed to sites that reside both internal to and external of thenetwork.

Branching out from the central office are numerous remote terminals (RT)located throughout the region being served by the CO, with each RTproviding the phone service for the subscribers located within aspecific area or neighborhood. One of the primary components that makeup a remote terminal (RT) is a pair gain system, also known as a derivedcarrier system, or digital loop carrier system. In simplest terms, thepair gain system provides the TELCO with the capability to carrymultiple services over a lesser number of lines, for example, fiveconversations over one telephone line. The pair gain system also isresponsible for generating the dial tone signal one hears when theyfirst pick up a telephone handset, indicating that an active connectionis present.

FIG. 1 depicts a typical telephone connection between a pair gain system1 of a remote terminal (RT) (not shown) and a subscriber 3. As indicatedin FIG. 1, the connection between the pair gain system 1 and thesubscriber 3 is not accomplished directly, but instead in two legs. Thefirst connection 1 a exists between the pair gain system 1 and across-connect block 2, while the second connection 2 a is made betweenthe cross-connect block 2 and the subscriber 3. As indicated by itsname, the purpose of the cross-connect block 2 is to allow easy matchingand connecting of two or more connections to one another, therebyfacilitating the addition or removal of phone services to or from thesubscriber. In most applications, the number of subscriber connectionsat the cross-connect block is greater than the number of pair gainsystem connections; typically the ratio of subscriber connections topair gain connections is 2:1.

To further illustrate the use of the cross-connect block 2, consider thefollowing example involving a typical modern day residence. New homesare often pre-wired to handle multiple telephone lines, i.e. six lines,to allow for future expansion. In this situation, there would be sixconnections running between the subscriber's house 3 and thecross-connect box 2. However, if the subscriber only has two activephone lines, then only two connections representing the active circuitswould run from the pair gain system 1 to the cross-connect box 2. Later,if the subscriber wishes to add a new telephone line for a fax machine,a technician would have to run a new connection between the pair gainsystem 1 and the cross-connect block 2, matching the new connection atthe cross-connect block 2 to the appropriate connection already presentthat runs to subscriber's house 3.

Note that each of connections 1 a and 2 a, along with the connectionsdiscussed below, although drawn as single lines in the figures, actuallyrepresent a cable pair, such as, for example, typical unshielded twistedpair (UTP) copper lines. For the remainder of the application, the terms“connection”, “cable pair”, and “line” should be consideredinterchangeable.

As DSL technology is relatively new compared to typical telephonycommunication involving analog signals, many of the remote terminals(RT) that are part of a telephone company's (TELCOs) network were notdesigned to allow easy incorporation of newer technology such as DSL.Accordingly, the TELCOs have had to develop ways to effectively provideDSL service to their subscribers utilizing the existing equipment on thenetwork.

FIG. 2 depicts a typical approach to incorporating DSL service with aremote terminal (RT). The dial tone signal generated by the pair gainsystem 1 is directed to a splitter 5 via connection 1 a. The splitter 5also receives a connection 4 a from a DSL system 4. The DSL system 4includes the equipment necessary for processing and directing the datasignals back and forth between the subscriber 3 and a digital subscriberline access multiplexer (DSLAM) (not shown). The DSLAM, which isoperated by a service provider, takes all of the subscribers' DSLconnections and aggregates them onto a single, high-density connectionto the Internet. For the current illustrative example involving theintegration of DSL at an RT, the DSL system may be physically mountedinside the cabinet housing the RT, or placed in its own cabinet mountedonto or next to the RT depending on factors such as size limitations andease of access.

The role of the splitter 5 is to combine the lower frequency signal fromthe pair gain system 1 with the higher frequency DSL data signal in sucha way that they do not interfere with one another. Similarly, thesplitter 5 must also be capable of separating the signal sent by thesubscriber 3 back into its two constituent components and then directthem back to the appropriate system. In FIG. 2, the splitter 5 isdepicted as an independent component separate from the DSL system 4.Alternatively, the splitter 5 may be incorporated into the DSL system 4.

The combined signal produced by the splitter 5 is delivered to thecross-connect block 2 over connection 5 a, where it is then directed tothe subscriber 3 over connection 2 a. Subscribers 3 can then access thehigher frequency DSL signal by means of a DSL modem connected betweentheir computing device and the telephone line(s) running throughouttheir residence. At the same time, standard telephones continue to haveaccess to the lower frequency analog signals also routed over theline(s).

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a system having a service distributionsystem including terminating modules with insulation displacementconnections. The modules may include double terminated block siteshaving closed switches. The terminating modules are configured for usewith switching modules having circuit protection plugs. In oneembodiment, the system is configured to be located in series with anddownstream from a cross-connect system. In another embodiment, thefunctionality of a cross-connect system is incorporated into the servicedistribution system.

A variety of examples of desirable product features or methods are setforth in part in the description that follows, and in part will beapparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing variousaspects of the disclosure. The aspects of the disclosure may relate toindividual features as well as combinations of features. It is to beunderstood that both the foregoing general description and the followingdetailed description are explanatory only, and are not restrictive ofthe claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is schematic representation of a prior art system fordistribution of telephony communication service to a subscriber;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a prior art system fordistribution of telephony communication service and digital subscriberline data service to the subscriber;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a system forbroadband service delivery, in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a terminating module shown inthe system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a disconnection contact of theterminating module of FIG. 4, shown in a normally-closed state;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the disconnection contact ofFIG. 5, shown in an open state;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a switching module shown in thesystem of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a switching contact of theswitching module of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a termination blockof the switching module of FIG. 7, shown with protector plugs;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a systemfor broadband service delivery, in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of still another embodiment of asystem for broadband service delivery, in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure, shown in a configuration providing standardtelephone service;

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the system of FIG. 10, shown ina configuration providing DSL service;

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of yet another embodiment of asystem for broadband service delivery, in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure, shown in a configuration providing standardtelephone service;

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of the system of FIG. 12, shown ina configuration providing DSL service;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a prior art enclosure commonly used inthe prior art system schematically represented in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a retro-fit enclosure havingdeep-pocket panels;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the retro-fit enclosure of FIG. 15,showing one of the deep-pocket panels in an opened position; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a system for broadband servicedelivery, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure,and including the retro-fit enclosure of FIGS. 15 and 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various features of the presentdisclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Referring to FIG. 3, an overall schematic representation of oneembodiment of a system 10 for providing broadband service isillustrated. The system 10 includes a number of subsystems: including, apair gain system 12, a cross-connect system 14, and a servicedistribution system 16.

The pair gain system 12 connects to the cross-connect system 14 by afeeder line or connection 18. The cross-connect system 14 connects tothe service distribution system 16 by an incoming block line orconnection 20. The service distribution system 16 connects to asubscriber 24 by a distribution line or connection 22. Through theseconnections 18, 20, 22, the subscriber 24 is provided with eitherstandard telephone service or DSL service (DSL service is intended tomean service that includes a lower frequency telephone signal and ahigher frequency DSL data signal).

The service distribution system 16 of FIG. 3 generally includes aterminating block or module 26 and a switching module 28. The switchingmodule 28 is interconnected to a splitter 48 and DSL system 30. Forstandard telephone service, the cross-connect system 14 receives anincoming, pair gain signal (also referred to herein as a telephonesignal) from the pair gain system 12, which in turn, is directed to theservice distribution system 16 via the incoming block line 20. Thetelephone signal is received by the terminating module 26 and is routedas an outgoing service signal directly to the subscriber 24 via thedistribution line 22. That is, the telephone signal is routed throughthe terminating module 26 to the subscriber 24, without being directedor routed through the switching module 28.

In the illustrated system 10, the terminating module 26 is configured toselectively route the incoming pair gain signal either directly to thesubscriber 24, as previously described, or to the switching module 28.Accordingly, the outgoing service signal can be directed to thesubscriber 24 in the form of a standard telephone signal, or directedthrough the switching module 28 and then to the subscriber 24 in theform of a telephone/DSL signal. Preferably, the terminating module 26has a normally-closed configuration that provides a built-in cut-throughthat passes the telephone signal from the incoming block line 20 to thedistribution line 22, and to the subscriber 24 in the form of thestandard telephone service by default.

Still referring to FIG. 3, to provide DSL service (i.e. thetelephone/DSL signal) to a particular subscriber 24, a servicetechnician accesses a dedicated site 32 of the terminating module 26.The dedicated site 32 is a particular site or connection location of theterminating module 26 that is dedicated to the particular subscriber.The technician re-routes the telephone signal at that dedicated site 32of the terminating module 26 to the switching module 28. The switchingmodule 28 passes the signal to the splitter 48, which functions tocombine the telephone signal with a DSL signal from the DSL system 30.

Referring to FIG. 4, the terminating module 26 includes a plurality ofblock sites 32. Preferably, each of the block sites 32 can be doubleterminated, that is, each of the block sites 32 provides a firsttermination location or connection 60 (FIG. 5) for terminating each ofthe incoming block line 20 and a first connection 34. Because the sites32 can be double terminated, the service technician is not required tore-wire the incoming block line 20 from the block site 32 to theswitching module 28 when DSL service is requested. Instead, thetelephone signal can simply be re-routed from the terminating module 26to the switching module 28 via the first connection 34.

Referring again to the service distribution system 16 of FIG. 3,incoming and outgoing DSL connections 36, 38 are established between thesplitter 48 DSL system 30 and the switching module 28. Also, a secondconnection 40 that carries the combined telephone/DSL signal isestablished between the switching module 28 and the terminating module26 when DSL service is activated. Similar to the first connection 34,the second connection 40 is double terminated with the distribution line22 at a second termination location or connection 62 (FIGS. 5 and 6) ofthe terminating module 26.

To activate DSL service for the subscriber 24, the service technicianmodifies the terminating module 26 so that a first signal path from theincoming block line 20 to the distribution line 22 is disrupted. Becausethe first signal path through the terminating module 26 is disrupted,the telephone signal from the pair gain system 12 is re-routed throughthe terminating module 26 to a second signal path, i.e., through thefirst connection 34 and to the switching module 28. From there, thetelephone signal is passed along the second signal path to the splitter48. At the splitter 48, the telephone signal is combined with the DSLsignal from the DSL system 30. The combined telephone/DSL signal isreturned from the splitter 48 to the switching module 28 by the outgoingDSL connection 38. From the switching module 28, the combinedtelephone/DSL signal is carried along the second signal path to theterminating module 26 via the second connection 40, and then to thesubscriber 24 via the distribution line 22.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, in the illustrated embodiment, theterminating module 26 is an insulation displacement connection (IDC)block. Unlike blocks that rely on screw-terminals or a wire wrappingtechnique to secure wires to the block, IDC blocks provide for agas-tight connection without requiring the removal of insulationcovering the wire. Connection is achieved once a wire is placed into anIDC block contact, and then punched down, typically via an insertiontool that presses the wire against the contact to form the gas-tightconnection. Because of the ease of use and effectiveness, terminatingblocks utilizing IDC contacts have become the standard within thetelecommunications industry.

To modify the terminating module 26 and activate DSL service (i.e.,disrupt the first signal path), the technician first adds the first andsecond jumper connections 34, 40 between the terminating module 26 andthe switching module 28. An activation plug 42 is then inserted into theterminating module 26. When the activation plug 42 is inserted into theterminating module 26, the plug 42 effectively disrupts or opens thefirst signal path through a normally-closed contact 64 (FIGS. 5 and 6)that previously allowed the telephone signal from the pair gain system12 to cut through the terminating module 26. As a result of disruptingthe first signal path, the second signal path is established. The secondsignal path re-routes the telephone signal to the switching module 28and the splitter 48, thereby activating DSL service to the subscriber24.

As can be understood, if the subscriber 24 wishes to de-activate DSLservice, the plug 24 is simply removed from the terminating module 26and the first signal path is re-established to provide the subscriber 24with only the standard telephone signal. In some instances, at least thefirst jumper connection 34 or both of the first and second jumperconnections 34, 40 are also removed from the system so that the parallelconnection to the switching module 28 is eliminated. In one embodiment,the activation plug 42 can be stored in the switching module 28 when notused in the terminating module 26, as the switching module 28 has anormally-open configuration (FIG. 8) that accepts storage of theactivation plug 42.

By this arrangement, a technician can easily activate and de-activateDSL service to the subscriber 24 simply by inserting and removing theactivation plug 42 into and from the terminating module 26. Accordingly,the technician is not required to re-wire the system whenever thesubscriber requests a service change. In addition, as previouslydescribed, the terminating module 26 of the system defaults to providingthe standard telephone service to the subscriber, thereby eliminatingoccurrences of a “downed” subscriber due to mistakenly forgetting tore-wire a circuit. Details of the function and operation of anothersystem including a terminating module are shown a described in U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 10/301,960 and 10/725,108; whichapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 7, the switching module 28 of the presentsystem 10 includes a first termination block 44 and a second terminationblock 46. The first termination block 44 includes a first row ofcontacts 66 (FIG. 7) and a second row of contacts 76. The secondtermination block 46 includes a first row of contacts 68 and a secondrow of contacts 78. The first connection 34 interconnects theterminating module 26 to the first row of contacts 66 of the firsttermination block 44, and the second connection 40 interconnects theterminating module 26 to the first row of contacts 68 of the secondtermination block 46. Also, the incoming DSL connection 36 interconnectsthe splitter 48 to the second row of contacts 76 of the firsttermination block 44, and the outgoing DSL connection 38 interconnectsthe splitter 48 to the second row of contacts 78 of the secondtermination block 46.

Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 7, each of the first and secondtermination blocks 44, 46 of the switching module 28 includes first andsecond protector plugs 50, 52 respectively. The protector plugs 50, 52are constructed to protect the splitter/DSL system from electricaloverages, such as abnormal over-voltage and/or over-current. Inparticular, the protector plugs 50, 52 are in electrical communicationwith ground through a ground bar 53 (FIG. 8A). In the event of anabnormal over-voltage, for example, the protector plugs re-direct theover-voltage to ground.

Referring now to FIG. 8A, one embodiment of the first and secondtermination blocks 44, 46 is illustrated. In use, the protector plug 50,for example, includes first and second contacts (e.g. 57, 59) that arein electrical communication with the first connection 34 and theincoming DSL connection 36 (as shown schematically in FIG. 8). Likewise,the protector plug 52 includes first and second contacts (e.g. 57, 59)that are in electrically communication with the second connection 40 andthe outgoing DSL connection 38. As previously discussed, the protectorplugs 50, 52 function to re-direct any abnormal electrical overages toground. In particular, the protector plugs 50, 52, include a switchmechanism (not shown) that re-directs any abnormal electrical overagethrough a ground contact 55, which is in electrical communication withthe ground bar 53, to ground.

One of the features of the service distribution system 16 of FIG. 3relates to the system's enhanced diagnostic testing capabilities notavailable in conventional arrangements. In particular, the terminatingand switching modules 26, 28 are constructed and arranged such that thetechnician is able to check the condition of the service distributionsystem 16 along a number of connections or lines. For example, prior todisrupting the first signal path through the terminating module 26, thetechnician can insert a test cord in place of the activation plug 42.This permits the technician to monitor and look both ways along the line(i.e. upstream along the incoming block line 20, and downstream alongeither the first connection 34 or the distribution line 22) to detectpossible problems that may affect telephone or DSL service.

In addition, the technician can insert a test cord in place of the firstprotector plug 50 within the first termination block 44 of the switchingmodule 28. Inserting the test cord at this location permits thetechnician to monitor and look upstream and downstream along both thefirst connection 34 and the incoming DSL connection 36 to detectpossible problems. Likewise, the technician can insert a test cord inplace of the second protector plug 52 within the second terminationblock 46 of the switching module 28. Inserting the test cord at thislocation permits the technician to monitor and look along both theoutgoing DSL connection 38 and the second connection 40 to detectpossible problems.

Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, in the illustrated embodiment, thesystem 10 includes a third connection 56 and a third protector plug 54.The third connection 56 is provided for subscribers needing increasedbandwidth or bonded bandwidth service, in contrast to a particularbandwidth service supported by only the second connection 40. In thisinstance, the third connection 56 is provided between the switchingmodule 28 and an additional block site 58 (FIG. 3) of the terminatingmodule 26. The additional block site 58 is interconnected to thedistribution line 22, and the DSL signals from the second and thirdconnections 40 and 56 are electronically bonded to provide thesubscriber 24 with increased bandwidth service. As shown in FIG. 3, anadditional activation plug 42 is inserted into the addition site 58 ofthe terminating module 26 so that the telephone/DSL signal is routedalong the distribution line 22, as opposed to being mis-routed back tothe incoming block line 20 and back to the cross-connect system 14.

The arrangement of the present system 10 supports pair bonding. Pairbonding is the joining of two or more DSL signals to provide asubscriber with increased bandwidth. In contrast, conventionalarrangements do no support doubling of the bandwidth by electronicallybonding DSL signals. The present system offers a manageable approach toconnecting bonded DSL signals, which can easily be re-arranged in theevent service changes are required.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the subsystems (12, 14, 16) of the presentsystem 10 are each placed in series with one another. In particular, thecross-connect system 14 is placed or located in series with the pairgain system 12, and the service distribution system 16 is placed orlocated in series with the cross-connect system 14. In the illustratedembodiment, the service distribution system 16 is located downstream ofthe cross-connect system 14.

With this system arrangement, the service distribution system 16receives the telephone signal from the cross-connect system 14, andsends the outgoing service signal to the subscriber without re-routingthe outgoing service signal back through the cross-connect system 14.The placement and arrangement of the service distribution system 16 inrelation to the cross-connect system 14 also supports pair bonding. Inparticular, each of the DSL signals from the connections 40 and 56 canbe electronically bonded and provided to the subscriber 24 withoutre-routing the increased bandwidth service through the cross-connectsystem. This feature is particularly advantageous by permitting anoperating company a migration path toward voice-over-internet-protocol(VOIP) technology.

Voice-over-internet-protocol technology relates to providing telephonyservice through the DSL system, thereby eliminating the necessity for apair gain system and a cross-connect system. The present servicedistribution system 16 supports both VOIP technology and the customarypair gain/cross-connect systems. The present service distribution system16 can also support a complete integration of VOIP technology, that is,removal of the upstream pair gain system 12 and cross-connect system 14with continued connectivity support of downstream subscriber services24.

Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a system 100 forproviding broadband service is illustrated. Similar to the previouslydescribed system 10, the system 100 of FIG. 9 has a number ofsubsystems: including, a pair gain system 112, a cross-connect system114, and a service distribution system 116. The systems 112, 114, 116are interconnected by a feeder line 118, an incoming block line 120, anda distribution line 122, and to provide a subscriber 124 with either thestandard telephone service or the DSL service.

The service distribution system 116 of FIG. 9 generally includes aterminating block or module 126 and a switching module 128. Theswitching module 128 is interconnected to a splitter 148 and DSL system130. For standard telephone service, the incoming, pair gain signal isrouted through the terminating module 126 of the service distributionsystem 116, similar to the previously described system 10. To provideDSL service to the subscriber 124, a service technician accesses adedicated site 132 of the terminating module 126. The technicianre-routes the telephone signal at the dedicated site 132 of theterminating module 126 to the switching module 128. The switching module128 passes the signal to the splitter 148, which functions to combinethe telephone signal with the DSL signal from the DSL system 130.

The terminating module 126 of the system 100 of FIG. 9 is similar inconstruction and operation to the terminating module 26 of thepreviously described system 10. For example, the incoming block line 120and a first connection 134 can be double terminated at the block site132. In addition, the distribution line 122 and a second connection 140can be double terminated at the block site 132. As previously described,the added first and second connections 134, 140 and an activation plug142 are used for disrupting the first signal path through theterminating module 126 and re-routing the telephone signal from the pairgain system 112 to the second signal path.

The switching module 128 of the system 100 of FIG. 9, however, has adifferent arrangement than previously described. In particular, theswitching module 128 of the present system 100 includes only a firsttermination block 144 having a first row of contacts 166 and a secondrow of contacts 176. The first connection 134 interconnects theterminating module 126 to the first row of contacts 166 of thetermination block 144. An incoming DSL connection 136 provides aninterconnection between the splitter 148 and the first row of contacts166 of the first termination block 144. The first connection 134 and theincoming DSL connection 136 are double terminated at the first row ofcontacts 166. An outgoing DSL connection 138 provides an interconnectionbetween the splitter 148 and the second row of contacts 176. Theoutgoing DSL connection 138 is double terminated with a secondconnection 140 at the second row of contacts 176. The second connection140 interconnects the second row of contacts 176 of the terminationblock 144 with the terminating module 126.

Unlike the previous embodiment, the termination block 144 of theswitching module 128 is not in electrical communication with ground.This is because protection 151 from over-voltage and/or over-current isprovided by a system other than the service distribution system 116. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the protection 151 is provided at thesplitter 148. The protection 151 can be provided in the form of aconventional 5-pin protector, for example. Other protection systems andconfigurations that protect the splitter 148 and DSL system 130 fromover-voltage and/or over-current can be used.

The first termination block 144 of the switching module 128 hasnormally-open contacts between pairs of insulation displacementconnections. Each of the normally-open contacts provides a location atwhich the activation plugs 142 can be stored. In the present system 100,the normally-open contacts are not closed by a plug (e.g., 50, 52 ofFIG. 3) for purposes of this system application. Also, becauseprotection plugs are not used in this application, only the firsttermination block 144 is required. In contrast, in the previousembodiment of FIG. 3, two blocks (e.g. 44, 46) are provided because theground bar 53 (FIG. 8A) utilized with the plugs 50, 52 blocks access tofield installation of the first and second connection 34, 40.(Typically, the incoming and outgoing DSL connections 36, 38 arepre-wired prior to installation of the ground bar 53.) Still referringto FIG. 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the system 100 includes athird connection 156 provided between the switching module 128 and anadditional block site 158 of the terminating module 126. The thirdconnection 156 is provided for subscribers needing increased bandwidthor bonded bandwidth service. Similar to the previous embodiment, theadditional block site 158 is interconnected to the distribution line122, and the DSL signals from the second and third connections 140 and156 are electronically bonded to provide the subscriber 124 withincreased bandwidth service. Likewise, an additional activation plug 142is inserted into the addition site 158 of the terminating module 126 toprevent the telephone/DSL signal from being mis-routed back to thecross-connect system 114.

The subsystems (112, 114, 116) of the present system 10 are each placedin series with one another. In particular, the cross-connect system 114is placed or located in series with the pair gain system 112, and theservice distribution system 116 is placed or located in series with thecross-connect system 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the servicedistribution system .116 is located downstream of the cross-connectsystem. As previously described, the placement and arrangement of theservice distribution system 116 in relation to the cross-connect system114 supports pair bonding and VOIP technology.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, still another embodiment of a system200 for providing broadband service is illustrated. The system 200includes a pair gain system 212 and a service distribution system 216.The service distribution system 216 generally includes first and secondterminating modules 226, 227, and a switching module 228.

Referring to FIG. 10, to provide standard telephone service, a pair gainsignal from the pair gain system 212 is received by the firstterminating module 226 of the service distribution system 216 through afeeder line 218. The pair gain signal is then passed to the secondterminating module 227 via a removable jumper connection 261. From thesecond terminating module 227, the pair gain signal is routed directlyto a subscriber 224 through a distribution line 222. That is, thetelephone signal is routed through the terminating modules 226, 227 tothe subscriber 224, without being directed or routed through theswitching module 228.

In the illustrated system 200, the functionality of a cross-connectsystem (e.g. 14, 114) is incorporated into the service distributionsystem 216. In particular, the pair gain system 212 connects directly tothe service distribution system 216 by the feeder line 218. No separatecross-connect system (e.g. 14, 114) is required. The first terminatingmodule 226 and the second terminating module 227 of the servicedistribution system 216 instead provide the cross-connectionfunctionality previously provided by the separate cross-connect system(e.g. 14, 114).

For example, cross-connection functionality, such as connect anddisconnect configurations necessary to support a particular subscriberrequiring more incoming lines than a single dedicated line, areaccomplished by the connection configuration between the first andsecond terminating modules 226, 227. In particular, the terminatingblocks 226, 227 support a greater number of connections to thesubscriber 224 than the number of connections from the pair gain system212. One advantage of this feature is that a separate box for supportingcross-connect functions is no longer needed. Another advantage of thisfeature is that shorter jumper wires can used between the feeder line218 and the distribution system 216, and between the distribution system216 and a splitter 248 and DSL system 230. In contrast, conventionalarrangements required extra binding posts to support the inputs andoutputs of a DSL system.

Also, because the cross-connect functionality is incorporated into theservice distribution system 216, the “incorporated” cross-connect systemcan be located more proximate to the subscriber 224. That is, theservice distribution system having the cross-connect functionality canbe located closer to the subscriber and support higher bandwidth whilestill accommodating aesthetic preferences.

For instance, to support higher bandwidth needs of subscribers,conventional systems require multiple telecommunication cabinets.Because of the necessity of multiple cabinets, most operating companiesplaced the cabinets remote of neighborhoods, for example, for aestheticpurposes. The farther a signal is carried, however, the more likely itis that distortion issues will arise. The present service distribution216 permits placement of the system closer to subscribers because thesystem can support the subscribers' higher bandwidth needs servicewithin a single cabinet, thereby addressing aesthetic preferences whilelessening the likelihood of signal distortion.

Referring now to FIG. 11, to provide DSL service (i.e. the telephone/DSLsignal) to a particular subscriber 224, a service technician re-routesthe telephone signal from the first terminating module 226 to theswitching module 228. In particular, the jumper connection 261 isremoved, and a first connection 234 is established between a firsttermination block 244 of the switching module 228 and the firstterminating block 226. Also a second connection 240 is establishedbetween a second termination block 246 of the switching module 228 andthe second terminating block 227.

The switching module 228 is similar to the switching module 28 of thesystem 10 in FIG. 3. For example, the first termination block 244 of theswitching module 228 includes a first row of contacts 266 and a secondrow of contacts 276. The second termination block 246 includes a firstrow of contacts 268 and a second row of contacts 278. The firstconnection 234 interconnects the first terminating module 226 to thefirst row of contacts 266 of the first termination block 244, and thesecond connection 240 interconnects the second terminating module 227 tothe first row of contacts 268 of the second termination block 246. Also,an incoming DSL connection 236 interconnects the splitter 248 to thesecond row of contacts 276 of the first termination block 244, and anoutgoing DSL connection 238 interconnects the splitter 248 to the secondrow of contacts 278 of the second termination block 246. The second rowsof contacts 276, 278 of the first and second termination blocks 244, 246are connected to ground.

In this system 200, a third connection 256 can also be establishedbetween the switching module 228 and an additional block site of thesecond terminating module 227 to provide subscribers with increasedbandwidth service.

Also similar to the system 10 of FIG. 3, the first and secondtermination blocks 244, 246 of the switching module 228 includeprotector plugs, e.g., 250, 252, 254. The protector plugs function inthe same manner as previously described for protecting the DSL system230 from abnormal over-voltage and/or over-current.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, yet another embodiment of a system 300for providing broadband service is illustrated. The system includes apair gain system 312 and a service distribution system 316. The servicedistribution system 316 generally includes first and second terminatingmodules 326, 327, and a switching module 328.

Similar to the system 200 of FIGS. 10-11, the system 300 of FIGS. 12-13incorporates the functionality of a cross-connect system (e.g. 14, 114)into the service distribution system 316. In particular, the pair gainsystem 312 connects directly to the service distribution system 316 by afeeder line 318. The first terminating module 326 and the secondterminating module 327 of the service distribution system 316 providethe cross-connection functionality previously provided by a separatecross-connect system (e.g. 14, 114).

Referring to FIG. 12, to provide standard telephone service, a pair gainsignal from the pair gain system 312 is received by the firstterminating module 326 of the service distribution system 316 throughthe feeder line 318. The pair gain signal is then passed to the secondterminating module 327 via a removable jumper connection 361. From thesecond terminating module 327, the pair gain signal is routed directlyto the subscriber 324 through a distribution line 322. The telephonesignal is routed through the terminating modules 326, 327 to thesubscriber 324, without being directed or routed through the switchingmodule 328.

Referring now to FIG. 13, to provide DSL service (i.e. the telephone/DSLsignal) to a particular subscriber 324, a service technician re-routesthe telephone signal from the first terminating module 326 to theswitching module 328. In particular, the jumper connection 361 isremoved, and first and second connections 334, 340 are added betweeneach of the first and second terminating modules 326, 327 and theswitching module 328.

The switching module 328 of the system 300 of FIGS. 12-13 is similar tothe switching module 128 of the system 100 of FIG. 9. In particular,only a first termination block 344 having a first row of contacts 366and a second row of contacts 376 is provided. An incoming DSL connection336 interconnects the splitter 348 to the first row of contacts 366 ofthe first termination block 344, and an outgoing DSL connection 338interconnects the splitter 348 to the second row of contacts 376. Alsosimilar to the system embodiment of FIG. 9, the termination block 344 ofthe switching module 328 is not in electrical communication with ground.Instead, protection 351 of the splitter 348 and DSL system 330 fromover-voltage and/or over-current is provided by a system other than theservice distribution system 316.

Still referring to FIG. 13, a third connection 356 can also beestablished, as previously described, between the switching module 328and an additional block site of the second terminating module 327 toprovide subscribers with increased bandwidth service.

The service distribution systems of the disclosed systems 10, 100, 200,300 can be used in a variety of telecommunication and broadband servicedelivery applications. Further, the service distribution systems caninclude a number of various types of components to accomplish thedelivery of service in accord with the principles disclosed. Forinstance, example modules of the terminating module (e.g., 26 and 126),as shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, that can be used in the disclosed servicedistribution system 16, 116 include blocks available from Krone GmbH,now part of ADC Telecommunications, Inc., such as Series 2 blocks and NTblocks. The terminating module of each system may be referred to as a“disconnect block”, which disconnects the electrical connection betweenthe pairs of insulation displacement connections by insertion of anon-conductive plug (i.e., the activation plug 42, 142). Also, examplemodules of the first and second terminating modules (e.g., 226, 227,326, 327), as shown in FIGS. 10-13, that can be used in the disclosedservice distribution system 216, 316 include blocks, such as NT blocks,available from Krone GmbH, now part of ADC Telecommunications.

Example modules of the switching module (e.g., the termination blocks44, 46, 244, 246 of the switching module 28, 228), as shown in FIGS. 3and 10-11, that can be used in the disclosed service distribution system16, 216 include blocks, such as Series 2 blocks and NT blocks, availablefrom Krone GmbH, now part of ADC Telecommunications, Inc. The switchingmodule may be referred to as a “switching block”, which has anormally-open contact between the pairs of insulation displacementconnections. To close the switch, a plug (e.g., a protector plug 50,250) is inserted within electrical contacts positioned to engage theopen switch contacts. An example plug to close the switch of theswitching block includes COMPROTECT0™ plugs available from Krone GmbH,now part of ADC Telecommunications, Inc. Such plugs and switching blocksoffer circuit protection for the system. Also, example modules of theswitching module 128, 328, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 12-13, that can beused in the disclosed service distribution system 116, 316 includeblocks available from Krone GmbH, now part of ADC Telecommunications,Inc., such as Series 2 blocks and NT blocks.

In addition, the service distribution systems (i.e., 16, 116, 216, 316)of the disclosed systems 10, 100, 200, 300 can be provided or housed inan enclosure (as schematically represented in the drawings by referencenumbers 80, 180, 280, and 380). The enclosure can include, for example,a cabinet, a panel, a box, a rack, and other frame or structuralsupports either completely or partially enclosing the servicedistribution system. In the alternative, the service distributionsystems (i.e., 16, 116,) can also be retro-fit to an existing enclosure.

For example, referring to FIG. 14, an existing enclosure 479 of across-connect system 414 is illustrated. The enclosure 479 includes topand bottom walls 482, 484, side walls 486, and a rear wall 488. Thewalls, 482, 484, 486, and 488 define a primary interior 483 of theenclosure 479. Hinged panels or doors, including first and second panels490, 492 are mounted at the front of the enclosure 479 to provide accessinto the primary interior 483 of the enclosure. The hinged panels 490,492 are generally flat or planar.

In such conventional arrangements, when additional cross-connections areneeded, capacity of the existing cross-connect enclosure 479 istypically expanded by re-skinning the enclosure. This method involvesremoving the outer sheet metal structure (i.e. the walls 482, 484, 486,and 488) of the enclosure, and replacing the sheet metal structure witha larger sheet metal structure. Additional binding posts are alsotypically added during the expansion. Re-skinning an enclosure can becostly, as the entire outer structure is often replaced by a structurethat is custom designed for the particular system requirements.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate another embodiment of a system 400 for providingbroadband service, in accordance with the principles disclosed. Thesystem 400 features the incorporation of a service distribution system416, such as the systems disclosed in FIGS. 3 and 9, into the enclosure479 of an existing cross-connect system 414. The existing enclosure 479(FIG. 14) can be modified to provide a retro-fit enclosure 481 (FIG. 15)that houses both the cross-connect system 414 and the servicedistribution system 416. In particular, the flat hinged panels 490, 492of the existing cross-connect enclosure 479 are replaced with hingeddeep-pocket panels 494, 496 (FIG. 15). The hinged deep-pocket panels494, 496 include hinged mounting structure 491 to mount the deep-pocketpanels to the existing enclosure 479. The deep-pocket panels 494, 496increase the overall interior volume of the enclosure so that both thecross-connect system 414 and the service distribution system 416 can beplaced within the single enclosure.

The deep-pocket panels 494, 496 of the disclosed retro-fit enclosure 481increase the service capacity of an existing system withoutre-configuring the existing cross-connect system. For example, referringto FIG. 16, general cross-connect components, such as cross-connectblocks 498, are located within the primary volume 483 of thecross-connect enclosure 481. When the system 400 is expanded toincorporate the service distribution system 416, the cross-connectblocks 498 remain at the original locations in the primary volume 483 ofthe enclosure 481.

As shown in FIG. 16, the service distribution system 416 is preferablylocated within an added volume 485 of the cross-connect enclosure 481.The added volume 485 is defined by the interior of the deep-pocketpanels 494, 496. For example, the terminating modules 426 and theswitching modules 428 of the service distribution system 416 are mountedto the panels 494, 496 within the added volume 485. The modules 426, 428can be mounted to an inner surface of the panel by component mountingstructure 477, such as brackets, for example. Jumper or wire management(not shown) can also be included within the enclosure 481 to managewires when the panels 494, 496 are opened and closed.

Referring still to FIG. 16, each of the deep-pocket panels 494, 496 hasa width W, a height H, and a depth D; although the disclosed principlescan be applied in a variety of sizes and applications. The width W ofthe panels is preferably between about 35 and 45 inches; more preferablyabout 38 inches. The height H of the panels is preferably between about35 and 45 inches; more preferably about 36 inches. The depth D of thepanels is preferably between about 6 and 15 inches; more preferablyabout 8 inches. Accordingly, the added volume 485 of each of the panelsis typically between about 4 and 18 cubic feet; more preferably about 6cubic feet. The more preferred dimensions (i.e. a deep-pocket panel thatis 38″×36″h×8″d) generally apply to existing enclosures 479 having aprimary volume 483 of about 36 cubic feet. The overall volume of aretro-fit enclosure 481 having two deep-pocket panels thereby increasesby about 35 percent. This percentage can be applied to a number ofdifferent sizes of existing cross-connect enclosures.

The disclosed retro-fit enclosure arrangement permits an operatingcompany to expand the capability of an existing system without addingadditional enclosures. Further, the retro-fit enclosure 481 has noeffect on existing feeder line or distribution line configurations. Inaddition, the added volume 485 enables mounting of input and outputblocks of the DSL system 430 into the primary volume of the enclosure481 where the feeder and distribution line connections exist, whilestill supporting proper jumper management. The existing system canthereby be retro-fit to provide the services as herein described in acost-efficient manner, and while still accommodating aestheticpreferences.

Referring to FIG. 17, the system 400 for providing broadband service isshown with the retro-fit enclosure 481. The system 400 generallyincludes a pair gain system 412 interconnected to the cross-connectsystem 414 via a feeder line 418. The cross-connect system 414 isinterconnected to the service distribution system 416. Both of thecross-connect system 414 and the distribution system 416 are housedwithin the retro-fit enclosure 481. A DSL system 430 and splitter 448are interconnected to the service distribution system 416 via incomingand outgoing DSL connections 436, 438. Standard telephone service andDSL service are provided to a subscriber 424 by a distribution line 422.Greater details of the specific system configurations that can be usedin the system 400 are described herein with respect to the systems shownin FIGS. 3 and 9.

The present systems (e.g., 10, 100, 200, 300, 400) of FIGS. 3-13 arerepresented in association with a single subscriber (e.g., 24, 124, 224,324, 424) for purposes of clarity. As can be understood, the systems aredesigned to support and provide standard telephone and DSL service to aplurality of subscribers. In particular, the systems of FIGS. 3, 9-13and 17 are configured to support up to 1500 pairs of distribution lines(e.g., 22, 122, 222, 322, 422); 432 pairs of which can be DSL service.

The above specification provides a complete description of the presentinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, certain aspects ofthe invention reside in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A system for delivery of broadband service to a subscriber,comprising: a) a terminating module configured to receive an incomingsignal from a pair gain system; b) an activation plug positionablewithin the terminating module, the activation plug and the terminatingmodule being configured to selectively re-route the incoming signal froma first signal path through the terminating module to a second signalpath; c) a switching module that receives the incoming signal when theactivation plug is positioned within the terminating module, theswitching module having contacts that interconnect to a splitter forcombining the incoming signal from the pair gain system with a digitalsubscriber line signal from a digital subscriber line system; and d) aprotector plug interconnected to the switching module, the protectorplug being in electrical communication with ground to protect the systemfrom electrical overages.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein theprotector plug is configured to provide upstream and downstreamdiagnostic testing between both: a) the terminating module and theswitching module; and b) the switching module and an interconnecteddigital subscriber line system.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein theswitching module includes a first termination block and a secondtermination block, and wherein the protector plug is a first protectorplug interconnected to the first termination block of the switchingmodule.
 4. The system of claim 3, further including a second protectorplug interconnected to the second termination block of the switchingmodule.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the switching module includesa first termination block having first and second rows of contacts, anda second termination block having first and second rows of contacts, thefirst and second termination blocks being in electrical communicationwith ground.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first and secondtermination blocks of the switching module are interconnected to theterminating module by first and second connections, the system furtherincluding a third connection interconnecting the second terminationblock to the terminating module the third connection providing bondedbandwidth service to the subscriber.
 7. The system of claim 1, whereinthe first signal path through the terminating module is defined bynormally-closed contacts, the normally-closed contacts being selectivelyopened by insertion of the activation plug.
 8. The system of claim 7,wherein the switching module includes normally-open contacts closed bythe insertion of the protector plug.
 9. A system for delivery ofbroadband service to a subscriber, comprising: a) a first terminatingmodule configured to receive an incoming signal from a pair gain system;b) a second terminating module configured to route an outgoing signal tothe subscriber, where the first and second terminating modules areconfigured to support a number of outgoing signals to a subscriber thatis greater than a number of incoming signals from the pair gain system;and c) a switching module having contacts that interconnect to asplitter for combining the incoming signal from the pair gain systemwith a digital subscriber line signal from a digital subscriber linesystem; d) wherein the first terminating module is selectivelyinterconnected to either the second terminating module to providestandard telephone service, or the switching module to provide digitalsubscriber line service.
 10. The system of claim 9, further including aprotector plug interconnected to the switching module, the protectorplug being in electrical communication with ground to protect the systemfrom electrical overages.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein theswitching module includes a first termination block and a secondtermination block, and wherein the protector plug is a first protectorplug interconnected to the first termination block of the switchingmodule.
 12. The system of claim 11, further including a second protectorplug interconnected to the second termination block of the switchingmodule.
 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the switching moduleincludes normally-open contacts closed by the insertion of the protectorplug.
 14. The system of claim 9, further including a removable jumperconnection between the first termination module and the secondtermination module to provide standard telephone service to thesubscriber.
 15. The system of claim 9, further including a firstconnection between the first termination module and the switchingmodule, and a second termination module between the switching module andthe second termination module, to provide digital subscriber lineservice.
 16. A system for delivery of broadband service to a subscriber,comprising: a) a number of subsystems placed in series with one another,the subsystems including: i) a pair gain system; ii) a cross-connectsystem placed in series with the pair gain system, the cross-connectsystem being configured to receive a telephone signal from the pair gainsystem; and iii) a service distribution system placed in series with thecross-connect system, the service distribution system being configuredto receive the telephone signal from the cross-connect system andgenerate an outgoing subscriber signal.
 17. The system of claim 16,wherein the outgoing subscriber signal is a standard telephone signal.18. The system of claim 16, wherein the outgoing subscriber signal is atelephone/digital subscriber line signal.
 19. The system of claim 16,wherein service distribution system includes a terminating moduleconfigured to route the telephone signal to the subscriber via a firstsignal pathway, and route the telephone signal to the subscriber via asecond signal pathway.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein theterminating module is a normally-closed module to provide standardtelephone service through the first signal pathway.
 21. The system ofclaim 20, wherein the service distribution system includes a switchingmodule interconnected between the terminating module and a digitalsubscriber line system, the switching module defining a portion of thesecond signal pathway.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the switchingmodule is a normally-open module.
 23. A system for delivery of broadbandservice to a subscriber, comprising: a) a pair gain system; b) across-connect system configured to receive a telephone signal from thepair gain system; and c) a service distribution system configured toreceive the telephone signal from the cross-connect system, the servicedistribution system being configured to selectively provide atelephone/DSL signal; d) wherein the service distribution system directsthe telephone/DSL signal to a subscriber without re-routing thetelephone/DSL signal through the cross-connect system.
 24. The system ofclaim 23, wherein service distribution system includes a terminatingmodule having first and second signal pathways, the first signal pathwayproviding a standard telephone signal to the subscriber, the secondsignal pathway providing the telephone/DSL signal to the subscriber. 25.The system of claim 24, wherein the terminating module is anormally-closed module to provide the subscriber with the standardtelephone signal.
 26. The system of claim 24, wherein the servicedistribution system includes a switching module interconnected betweenthe terminating module and a digital subscriber line system.
 27. Thesystem of claim 26, wherein the switching module is a normally-openmodule.
 28. A method of delivering broadband service, the methodcomprising the steps of: a) providing a pair gain system, across-connect system, and a service distribution system, the pair gainsystem being configured to generate a telephone signal; b) routing thetelephone signal through the cross-connect system and to the servicedistribution system; and c) routing an outgoing signal from the servicedistribution system to a subscriber without routing the outgoing signalback through the cross-connect system, the outgoing signal selectivelyincluding one of the telephone signal and a digital subscriber linesignal combined with the telephone signal.
 29. A method of providingdigital subscriber line service to a subscriber, the method comprisingthe step of: a) providing a service distribution system including aterminating module and a switching module, the service distributionsystem providing standard telephone service by routing a telephonesignal along a first signal pathway through the terminating module; b)inserting an activation plug into the terminating module to re-directthe telephone signal along a second signal pathway through the switchingmodule, the switching module being interconnected to a digitalsubscriber line system for providing telephone/digital subscriber lineservice; and c) inserting a protection plug into the switching module toprotect the digital subscriber line system from abnormal electricaloverages.